East Coast born and bred, Rawiri was sent to Auckland for his secondary education.
"Before I left I was lucky enough to live and breathe whakapapa, tikanga and te reo. I have been blessed with the history and want to use it to contribute to a society where our whanau have a voice," Rawiri said.
While in Auckland he stayed with his aunt, Dame June Mariu, who has an extensive career in teaching and contributes to the welfare of Maori in youth, justice, education and support for women.
"It was under her care I was moulded to fight and advocate for Maori across all sectors," Rawiri said. "She provided me with an awesome educational grounding and was a strong influence in shaping my future."
Rawiri is also the grandnephew of Hoani Waititi, a revered educationalist and East Coast leader, who believed education should not only be obtained in European schools, but also in Maori schools of learning.
He has a smile on his face as he recalls the street in Auckland where he lived with his aunt.
"It was the Downing St of Te Atatu. We had Tuku Morgan and Tau Henare as neighbours."
All this, coupled with the fact his wife is the daughter of John Tamihere, meant "politics were never too far from the dinner table".
With a background in education, Rawiri gained a Master's degree, a wife and two children while in Auckland.
Last year the family made the decision to return to Whangaparaoa, so his tamariki could experience the same upbringing their father had.
"My children live across the paddock from their grandparents, they are surrounded by cousins and they love feeding the pigs," Rawiri said.
Before he returned home, Parekura Horomia had "hit him up" in regard to running for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti (East Coast) electorate.
But it was following discussions with Shane Jones, that Rawiri began to turn his head to politics.
"While the conversation with Shane pushed me toward standing, the real push came from my iwi. I had many conversations with the pakeke and leaders of Te Whanau a Apanui and it was through their direction and blessing I made the final choice."
One of his priorities is doing whatever he can to extinguish poverty.
"Looking at the fishing industry, I believe there is enormous potential within the industry in the Waiariki electorate.
"We are also facing the prospects of deep-sea oil drilling within Waiariki. I know this is an issue after seeing 800 of my cousins standing together to oppose the idea and I know I can help them see the power of their vote and help them understand that, collectively, they can make a difference in the democratic process."
Rawiri believes the smaller regions in the Waiariki - the Opotikis, the Turangis, the Kaweraus and the Muruparas - have been forgotten about.
He says 83,000 Maori live in the Waiariki electorate and last election only 17,000 voted.
Politics aside, Rawiri insists he's your typical East Coast bloke who loves to hunt, dive and spend time with friends and whanau.
"Those are the things that make the coast what it is and we are blessed to live here."
